‘THERE’S A CONTROLLED SCHIZOPHRENIA ABOUT MY MUSIC’
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Musical differences
Producer Chris Clark tells Colin McKean about his new, darker techno direction as he showcases his new album Turning Dragon
incc the release of his debut album ('lari'ni‘i' Park on Warp Records in 2(llll ('hris (‘Iark
has occupied a position at the darker eiid of
the clectronica spectrum and subsequent releases ('i'raniirxs is the Bomb and lain/Hy l/It’ Bonus of ion consolidated his position as a talented addition to the label‘s roster. In 2000 Clark leiiigmatically dispensing with his (‘hristian namel released the staggering Bot/y er/r/lt‘. 'l'his breathtaking album combined extraordinary rhythmic dexterity with an emotional articulacy rare in electronic music.
While Body lx’ir/r/li"s startling. splintered heats reyealed that (‘lark had become a Virtuoso producer. it was the album‘s compelling textures and melodies that confirmed his consummate musicianship. ‘Ilor/y Rir/r/li' took a long time to write because it inyolyed me learning how to play drums and working out how to record them so I really liked the sound.‘ explains Clark. "I‘hat‘s why it was quite a milestone album for me. because it inyoly‘ed a lot of learning. I think there are certain ways of recording that just sound so beautiful. If you produce a guitar in a certain way then it can sound like a synthesi/er. it can sound electronic. It works the other way too. I think l'ye been doing it for so long now that there's become a sort of fluidity between the real and the artificial that has opened up a lot of possibilities.‘
The dynamics of Clark‘s music suggest that he
takes inspiration from a diyerse and eclectic range of
sources. The groaning chord progressions of such tracks as ‘Frau Way" and ‘The Autumnal Crush' are reminiscent of post-rock bands like Mogwai and
(iodspecd You Black limperorl while the perciissiye. twinkling of ‘.\'ig|it Knuckles‘ sounds like an l.l-'() track played on glockenspiels. When asked about the music that has influenced him. ('lark says: ‘.’\t school I was into thrash metal. grunge. hip hop. classical and raw all at the same time. I suppose in a way all the stuff He released is trying to bring that all together. I like to think there‘s a controlled. and hopefully obseryed. schi/ophrenia about my music.~
(‘lark moyed to Berlin last year and began assembling material for his eagerly anticipated new album ’liirning Dragon. ()nline preyiews suggest a significant change in musical direction. The lush. spacious ambience of (‘lark‘s last album has been largely replaced by petulant raise and urgent techno. "l‘he record is yery much liye orientated. It‘s a sort of "play it loud in a club" record] he says.
While Turning Dragon sounds radically different to its predecessor. Clark is keen to point out that he has continued to refine and improye upon his meticuloUs Production skills: "l‘here‘s a lot of detail there. I hope there's enough detail for it to work domestically as well.' When asked whether 'l'arning Dragon has been influenced by the ongoing renaissance of techno in Berlin. he says: 'l actually wrote a lot of the album in lingland. The time I‘ve been in Berlin he been shamefully hermetic. really
just going out to eat the occasional bockwiirst.~ he
laughs.
Clark plays at Ctrl. with Ballers Social at The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Fri 8 Feb.
L Bass Syndicate Masswe breaks from Bournemouth's favourite delinquent sons. Aquasky (pictured). Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Fri 7 Feb.
.; Pinup Nights lt's 'tadies Night' at Pinup. wrth guest DJ appearances from The Pipettes. Sons 8 Daughters. Bis and a bunch of Glasgow's best girl fronted clubs. The Beat Club, Glasgow. Fri 7 Feb.
a: Subculture HOuse pioneer. Larry Heard graces the decks at Harri 8 Dominic's deep house get down. The Sub Club, Glasgow. Sat 2 Feb.
Skins Premier Party Cd‘s chav—chic soap is back. and Pendulum, Annie Mac. DJ Yoda and more are playing this free- but-ticketed launch party. Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Tue 5 Feb. .' We Are . . . Electric Time for a midweek messy as the legend that is Andrew Weatherall returns. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Wed 6 Feb.
2 Little League The Royal Air Forces Association Club closes its doors after 50 years, and National Pop League’s offshoot club returns to bid farewell. RAFA, Glasgow, Fri 8 Feb.
Solescience The underground house night bows out with dignity wrth their last ever night. Cabaret Voltaire. Edinburgh, Fri 8 Feb.
" Tronic Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) with his new project Long Range. Blackfriars, Glasgow, Fri 8 Feb.
:3 Club Nolr Scotland's premier burlesque club returns with the inevitably fabulous Valentine's Night in Paris. Carling Academy, Glasgow, Sat 9 Feb. :1? Substance The best techno the world has to offer as Input- Output descends on Substance. The GFi’V, Edinburgh, Sat 9 Feb.
,‘ ,a' —‘~1 :92, 7.2;: THE LIST 35